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Andrew Findlaytor, DVM, shares why clinics should use relief veterinarians

Integrating relief medicine into practices

After being sprayed in the face by a skunk, one Jack Russell Terrier developed a life-threatening blood issue. 

Skunk encounter creates rare near-death experience 

Annika VanNoy, PhD, joins this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast to discuss mental health in the veterinary profession

Healing the healers: Mental health in the veterinary profession

Bond Vet Launches New Position: Area Lead Nurse

The bipartisan legislation amends the IRS code to allow animal care expenses to be eligible for use with health savings accounts

Federal bill aims to help make veterinary care more affordable for pet owners

The Fetch dvm360 conference will be leaving Atlantic City, New Jersey, following this year's event, October 14-16

Fetch Coastal is making a 'monumental' move for 2025

Record-keeping for DEA-compliant controlled substances was discussed in a session at the Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City

Best practices for logbooks

The event hosted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition will explore the connection between the gut microbiome of cat and dogs and their overall health

Global symposium on animal gut microbiome is announced

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The public views veterinarians favorably, regarding them as experts in animal care and welfare. But the veterinary profession has had a love-hate relationship with animal advocates.

AAAS symposium-Veterinarians and animal welfare: What role should the profession play?

Stokes Pharmacy and Bova Group (Bova) announced an exclusive partnership to offer a United States mad oral treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The medication will treat the now once-fatal virus through a compounded preparation supported by Bova’s drug formula that has been used in clinical research studies globally.

“Made possible by our Bova partnership, Stokes Pharmacy will compound and sell the only oral formula identical to the Bova formula used in clinical studies across the globe. Our tablets were tested by Bova to meet their exact specifications. We are thrilled to bring this long-awaited treatment to the US and put FIP treatment back in the hands of the veterinarians," Michael Tursi, Stokes' president, in a news release.

 the drug formula created by Bova is used by Bova Aus and Bova UK, with exports to other countries with import permissions currently in place. There was previously no legal access to FIP oral treatment available in the US for veterinarians, according to the company. Because of this, pet owners have relied on options outside of a pharmacy or FDA-registered manufacturer to get treatment for their sick pets. Recognizing this gap in veterinary medicine, Bova vetted leaders within the industry to find the right partner to help bring their formula to the US market and created this partnership with Stokes Pharmacy.

“The introduction of FIP products to Australia and subsequently to the UK has led us on a transformative path. Collaborating with feline specialists around the world has propelled the progression of knowledge and comprehension of FIP. At Bova, we have been fortunate enough to support multiple clinical trials around the world on our unique formulation. This has helped give veterinarians confidence in using our formula and bringing the treatment of this fatal disease back under their control,” said Nick Bova, Bova’s managing director.

There are so many black-market options available out there and their quality is so varied. We wanted a partner who took quality and science as seriously as we do at Bova. Stokes Pharmacy is an impressive organization that prioritizes quality and science. Now, together, we can finally help save cats' lives across the USA who are impacted by this terrible disease," he continued.

“The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has alerted veterinarians that, while compounded GS-441524 is not legal, the agency does not intend to enforce new animal drug approval requirements for products compounded from GS-441524, when prescribed by a veterinarian for a specific cat patient for the treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis under the conditions listed in 

Guidance for Industry (GFI) #256 Compounding Animal Drugs from Bulk Drug Substances

. GS-441524 has been nominated by Stokes Pharmacy to be included on the list of animal drug bulk substances regarding GFI #256 office use and now has a place on the GFI under review list. Because of this, the compounded medication 50 mg tablets are eligible to be sold in hospitals for office sale in every state except Arkansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. However, according to the release, veterinarians who work in a state that does not allow GS-441524 for office use can prescribe the drug in the name of the patient.

“The FDA is aware of social media posts suggesting that compounded GS-441524 will be “legally” available in the United States starting June 1. The agency reminds compounding pharmacies, veterinarians and pet owners that animal drugs compounded from bulk drug substances are unapproved drugs and are not, in fact, legal. However, in GFI #256, the FDA has described certain conditions where the agency does not intend to take enforcement actions for compounded products for use in animals,” FDA shared, in an organizational release.

Compounded GS-441524 is now available by veterinary prescription for veterinary offices and individual patients in permitted states.

US-made compounded oral treatment for feline infectious peritonitis now available. News release. Stokes Pharmacy. May 20, 2024. Accessed June 14, 2024.

FDA announces position on use of compounded GS-441524 to treat FIP. News release. May 10, 2024. Accessed June 14, 2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-announces-position-use-compounded-gs-441524-treat-fip#:~:text=The%20FDA%20is%20aware%20of,not%2C%20in%20fact%2C%20legal

The compounded treatment became available by veterinary prescription of individual patients in all states on June 1, 2024

Clinical

Compounded oral FIP treatment is now available 

Three veterinary hospitals have been named grand prize winners in dvm360’s 2024 Hospital Design 360 Competition. These newly built or recently renovated facilities were each named Hospital of the Year, in 3 structure size categories, and 7 more hospitals are receiving merit awards. All winners are being recognized for the quality and uniqueness of their layouts, décor, and amenities as well as spaces that serve staff, clients and patients well.

The 3 grand prize winners will be presented with their awards Sunday, August 25, 2024, with a celebratory luncheon during the 

, Missouri. Selected by a panel of judges, the 2024 Hospital of the Year honorees are as follows:

: Blue Cross Animal Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico

: Habitat Veterinary Hospital in Boise, Idaho

: The Vet Vision Center in Lambertville, New Jersey

“With the highest number of submissions this year, these 3 winners did a fantastic job showcasing their outstanding veterinary hospital designs, setting a new benchmark for excellence in our profession,” Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer for dvm360, said. “Their arduous work, dedication and passion for innovation are celebrated in each of these outstanding hospitals.”

The celebratory event in Kansas City will also feature a panel discussion with the winning practice owners, as well as an architect and design expert. These scheduled speakers include Christman; Ashlee Andrews, DVM, owner, Blue Cross Animal Clinic; Sohaila Maleki, chief visionary officer and founding partner, Habitat Veterinary Hospital; Reed Linenberger, DVM, chief financial officer and partner, Habitat Veterinary Hospital; Shelby Reinstein, DVM, MS, DACVO, owner and founder, The Vet Vision Center; and Becky Gasser, NCARB, director of design and partner, BDA Architecture, PC.

In an interview with dvm360, Maleki and Linenberger spoke about the significance of Habitat Veterinary Hospital’s being selected a grand prize winner. “It means a lot, actually, because we put so much thought and energy and all the things that we've learned through the years together to create this beautiful space. To be recognized for that is really, really special to us,” Maleki said.

“I think it also helps us in our grand vision… veterinary medicine is changing a lot, and we feel very appreciated that [dvm360 is] recognizing us as a smaller hospital,” Linenberger added.

Although the competition brings attention to the winning hospitals, Reinstein said the program also helps bring awareness to designers and the work they do for hospitals. “Veterinary medicine is coming into a new age, where it matters what your hospital looks like. It matters what it does. All of it matters,” she said.

In addition to the grand prize winners, the competition judges recognized the following Merit Award recipients:

Partners Animal Hospital West Loop in Chicago, Illinois

Red Barn Animal Hospital in Gilberts, Illinois

All Creatures Great and Small in Downers Grove, Illinois

dvm360’s John Hydrusko, vice president, sales, MJH Life Sciences, congratulated all of the competition winners in a statement. “We are honored to add these incredible clinics into our Hospital Design winner's circle. Creating a beautiful workspace for employees, the clients and pets they service is a true testament to exceptional veterinary care,” he said.

Abi Bautista-Alejandre, assistant editor, contributed to this article.

Grand prize winners were named Hospital of the Year in 3 size categories, and 7 additional facilities receive the Merit Award 

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dvm360 announces 2024 Hospital Design 360 Competition winners

Companion Animal End-of-Life Doulas (CADs) are professionally trained individuals meant to provide nonmedicinal, nonjudgmental emotional support and comfort to a dying animal and their caregivers. Ken Gorczyca, DVM, CHPV, CPEV, an in-home euthanasia practitioner in San Francisco, California, and veterinary facilitator for the University of Vermont (UVM) Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula Training Program, recently spoke at the 2024 American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Austin, Texas, about the emerging role of CADs. He shared core principles, methods, and strategies for CADs, and how to integrate them into existing veterinary practices, citing real-life examples from current CADs.

“I really believe that many of us in the veterinary profession, especially end-of-life practitioners, already are playing the role of death doula,” Gorczyca said during his presentation.

 “I don’t think we knew that term.”

The practice can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where the word “doula” was used to describe women who assisted throughout pregnancy and childbirth.2 Doulas, not to be confused with obstetricians or midwives whom they often work alongside, are not medical professionals, but are meant to provide guidance and emotional support.

 Today, the term has extended to apply to those professionally trained to provide similar emotional support at the end of life. In recent years, they’ve become increasingly more common in the veterinary field, according to Gorczyca.

CADs accept that birth, death, and grief are natural and expected in life. Their goal is to serve the family, and the animal, as companions, focused on calming, soothing, comforting, and supporting, rather than trying to cure or treat the animal. Among other things, CADs can educate and empower clients in their decision making, support animal comfort and home safety, provide advice regarding care plans, make referrals to additional support services, aid in grieving, and even serve as a stand-in during euthanasia if the owner cannot, or does not want to, be present. In a nonmedicinal support role, CADs should respect the boundaries of veterinary medical professionals, refrain from engaging in clinical tasks, and avoid medical advice or influence.

“The veterinary community and the pet doula work actually do merge at the end of life,” Gorczyca said, regarding why veterinary practices should consider implementing CADs.

 "I think, a lot of time, it’s the veterinary technician [or] the veterinary front staff that are dealing with clients at this level. Maybe it would be helpful to our practices to have someone take on that role… some people really are empowered to help in this moment.”

Gorczyca encouraged practices to designate 1 or more staff members as end-of-life navigators or pet death doulas. Practices should create a dedicated, sacred space for euthanasia, explain their euthanasia process on their website, and consider working with private death doulas for clients requiring more advocacy and assistance, he noted. These steps help to acknowledge the significance and sacredness of end-of-life care.

“I think that, just like in society where we don’t really deal with death very well, the profession doesn’t necessarily deal with it well either,” Gorczyca said. “We’re starting to get there, and I really want to empower each of you to be better to help the clients at the end of life.”

In 2024, Gorczyca worked with UVM to develop the 6-week online CAD training program, which covers essential skills, compassionate, hospice, and palliative care, as well as post-death options. More than 500 individuals have already received their certificates from the UVM course. The University of New England recently launched a similar online course.

For further resources, Gorczyca recommended the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) and the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC), both of which offer supplementary course material on CADs. Organizations like The Death Wives, International Doula Life Movement, DoulaGivers, and the Center for Sacred Deathcare also provide death doula training programs.

To conclude his presentation, Gorczyca announced the Vet Death Doula Café, a private Facebook group for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other veterinary staff with interest in becoming CADs. He invited others to join the group and share experiences, gain insights into the emerging world of CADs, and connect with other like-minded veterinary professionals. Please contact Gorczyca at vetdoula@gmail.com to receive an invitation to the Vet Death Doula Cafe. 

Gorczyca K. The Emerging Role of the Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula (CAD). Presented at: American Veterinary Medical Association Convention; Austin, TX; June 22, 2024.

Dukehart C. Doulas: Exploring a tradition of support. National Public Radio. July 14, 2011. Accessed August 12, 2024. 

https://www.npr.org/sections/babyproject/2011/07/14/137827923/doulas-exploring-a-tradition-of-support

Ken Gorczyca, DVM, CHPV, CPEV, shared insight into the increase of death doulas in the veterinary field, at the 2024 AVMA Convention.

The companion animal end-of-life doula

Twenty-eight veterinary management professions recently earned the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA). The CVPM credential is recognized and respected by practice leaders and others in the veterinary industry, according to the association

The VHMA provides training, education, and resources to more than 5000 members and serves as a trusted resource that the veterinary sector relies on for industry insights, research, and advocacy to assure performance at the highest levels. VHMA's core purpose is to advance and support veterinary practice management professionals by developing professional competence, supporting, and encouraging standards through the industry's highest-level certification program, the CVPM

 and providing individuals with a network for professional connection and support.

The association's voluntary CVPM credential is recognized as a sign of professional achievement and excellence and is awarded to those who demonstrate the knowledge and experience necessary to manage the ever-changing operations of today's veterinary practices successfully. Applicants are tested rigorously on relevant management knowledge in human resources, law and ethics, marketing, organization of the practice, and finance.

The CVPM exam is offered electronically across North America to registered candidates

Before sitting for the exam, applicants meet practice management experience requirements and must demonstrate that they have earned sufficient formal education and continuing education credits.

The April 2024 class includesSara Aho, Michelle Lynn Beck, Gail Bigelow, Shantell Bogedain, Crish Bowles, Lauri Brown, Jordanne Day, Shirley Devera-Caldwell, Kathy Diesen, Amanda Marie Durden, Tina Dziewior, Mei-Ling Flesch, Sarah Jackson, and Carma Jeanette Johnson. Also, receiving the CVPM credential are Annemarie Jones, Connie Lovello, Vonnie Meraz, JoAnna Miller, Kelley Molitor, Sara Nunimaker, Jennifer Reynolds, Chartia Robinson, Rachelle Romano, Rex Salzsieder, Sarah Small, Esteban Sotomayor, Carly Taft, and Jessica Wright.

Veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation. News release. Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. April 25, 2024. [email]

Roles

VHMA awards CVPM credential to 28 practice managers

The Innovator of the Month series, sponsored by Chewy Health, spotlights veterinary professionals who are driving positive change and inspiring their peers. By recognizing outstanding clinicians, technicians, and paraprofessionals, Chewy aims to highlight impactful initiatives and promote a brighter future for veterinary medicine.

How this driven technician made an impact on the profession with her educational venture, Beyond the Crown Veterinary Education, which aims to improve dental practices in veterinary medicine.

Andrew N. Rowan, PhD

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